Breathable composite with moveable baffles

ABSTRACT

A composite fabric includes a first fabric layer and a plurality of insulating structures adjacent to the first fabric layer. Each of the plurality of insulating structures include a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity. In further aspects a composite fabric includes a plurality of insulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a fabric material and each of the plurality of insulating structures includes a fabric shell defining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Nonprovisional application Ser.No. 16/502,188, filed on Jul. 3, 2019, which is a Nonprovisional of andclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/694,189, filedJul. 5, 2018, each of which is hereby incorporated by referenced in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to composite fabrics, and in particularto composite fabrics including a plurality of insulating structures thatprovide the composite fabric with thermal insulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

An article of apparel may include a material including an insulator.Examples of insulators include, natural filler materials such as down(e.g., goose or duck plumage) and synthetic filler materials such aspolyester. The insulator may move within the material. For example, theinsulator may move as a result of use of the article, movement of awearer of the article, and/or the force of gravity.

Additionally, the insulator may not be evenly distributed throughout thematerial. As an example, the insulator may not be evenly distributedthroughout the material as a result of the insulator moving within thematerial. As another example, the insulator may not be evenlydistributed throughout the material as a result of the method ofmanufacturing the material and/or the method of disposing the insulatorwithin the material. Consequently, the article of apparel may haveregions of varying thermal insulation.

These and other shortcomings are addressed by aspects of the disclosure.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a composite fabric including a firstfabric layer and a plurality of insulating structures adjacent to thefirst fabric layer. Each of the

plurality of insulating structures include a fabric shell defining acavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

Aspects of the disclosure further relate to a composite fabric includinga plurality of insulating structures separated by a plurality ofspacers. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a fabric material andeach of the plurality of insulating structures includes a fabric shelldefining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a composite fabric according to anaspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a photograph of one side of the composite fabric of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a photograph of another side of the composite fabric of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a composite fabric according to anaspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a photograph of the composite fabric of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a composite fabric according to anaspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a photograph of the composite fabric of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description of the disclosure and the Examplesincluded therein. In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains tocomposite fabrics including a first fabric layer and a plurality ofinsulating structures adjacent to the first fabric layer, each of theplurality of insulating structures including a fabric shell defining acavity and an insulating material located within the cavity. Furtheraspects of the disclosure relate to a composite fabric including aplurality of insulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers,wherein each of the plurality of spacers includes a fabric material andeach of the plurality of insulating structures includes a fabric shelldefining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices,and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood thatthey are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwisespecified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as suchcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only andis not intended to be limiting.

Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are encompassed bythis disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from dependent claimsthat depend upon the same independent claim.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated,it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construedas requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order.Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order tobe followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated inthe claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to aspecific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in anyrespect. This holds for any possible non-express basis forinterpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangementof steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammaticalorganization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodimentsdescribed in the specification.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited.

Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to belimiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term“comprising” can include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientificterms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In thisspecification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made toa number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an insulatingmaterial” includes mixtures of two or more insulating materials.

As used herein, the term “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures,alloys, reaction products, and the like.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one value (first value) toanother value (second value). When such a range is expressed, the rangeincludes in some aspects one or both of the first value and the secondvalue. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use ofthe antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular valueforms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpointsof each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the otherendpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understoodthat there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each valueis also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition tothe value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then“about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unitbetween two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amountor value in question can be the designated value, approximately thedesignated value, or about the same as the designated value. It isgenerally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal valueindicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. Theterm is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalentresults or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood thatamounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities andcharacteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximateand/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size,formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or“approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It isunderstood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, theparameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unlessspecifically stated otherwise.

Unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein, all test standards arethe most recent standard in effect at the time of filing thisapplication.

Each of the materials disclosed herein are either commercially availableand/or the methods for the production thereof are known to those ofskill in the art.

It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certainfunctions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements forperforming the disclosed functions and it is understood that there are avariety of structures that can perform the same function that arerelated to the disclosed structures, and that these structures willtypically achieve the same result.

Composite Fabrics Including a First Fabric Layer and InsulatingStructures

With reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, aspects of the disclosure relate to acomposite fabric 100, 200 including a first fabric layer 130, 230 and aplurality of insulating structures 140, 240 adjacent to the first fabriclayer 130, 230. In some aspects each of the plurality of insulatingstructures 140, 240 include a fabric shell 150, 250 defining a cavity160, 260 and an insulating material (not shown) located within thecavity 160, 260.

The first fabric layer 130, 230 may be located on either side of afabric and/or a garment formed therefrom. For example, in some aspectsthe first fabric layer 130, 230 is located on a body side of thecomposite fabric 100, 200, i.e., the side of the fabric facing towardsthe body of a user. In other aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 islocated on a face side of the composite fabric 100, 200, i.e., the sideof the fabric facing away from the body of the user. In certain aspectsthe composite fabric 100, 200 is reversible such that a user of thefabric (e.g., a wearer of a garment including the composite fabric 100,200) could use the composite fabric with the first fabric layer 130, 230facing towards the user or away from the user. Also as used herein,“adjacent” means on or in proximity to and does not forecloseintervening components, including additional fabric layer(s), air orfluid.

With reference to FIG. 1A-1C, in some aspects each of the plurality ofinsulating structures 140 are attached to the first fabric layer 130. Inparticular aspects each of the plurality of insulating structures 140are stitched 170 to the first fabric layer (bottom of insulatingstructure 140 shown as stitched directly to the first fabric layer 130.The plurality of insulating structures 140 could be attached to thefirst fabric layer 130 by any suitable method, such as with an adhesive,sewn, knit, welded or stitched.

The plurality of insulating structures 140 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C may insome aspects be loosely attached (or stitched 170) to the first fabriclayer 130 such that they are free to move. When the fabric is used(e.g., worn), the plurality of insulating structures may lay downagainst the first fabric layer 130 (illustrated by the arrows 180),forming a warm insulating layer in the composite fabric 100.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in further aspects each of theplurality of insulating structures 240 are retained against the firstfabric layer 230 by a plurality of fabric strips 270. The plurality offabric strips 270 may in some aspects retain the plurality of insulatingstructures 240 against the first fabric layer 230 in a wovenconstruction. Any suitable weave pattern may be used. In some aspectsthe weave pattern is a plain weave (1×1, illustrated). In certainaspects the weave pattern is a satin weave or a twill weave (e.g., 1×2,1×3, 2×2, etc.). The components of the composite fabric 200 can have anydesirable dimensions. For example, in some aspects the plurality ofinsulating structures 240 are sized so that when the fabric is used(e.g., worn) the plurality of insulating structures 240 lie againstand/or substantially cover the first fabric layer 230 (as shown byarrows 280), providing the composite fabric 200 with a layer ofinsulation.

The first fabric layer 130, 230 may have any suitable fabricconstruction. In some aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is a wovenfabric. In other aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is a knitfabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In particular aspectsthe first fabric layer 130, 230 includes taffeta, although any othersuitable fabric material may be used, including but not limited tocotton, wool, nylon, polyester and combinations thereof.

In certain aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 is highly breathable,or air permeable. Air permeability may be determined in accordance withASTM D737, and is reported in cubic feet per minute (CFM). In someaspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 has an air permeability of fromabout 40 CFM to about 80 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.In particular aspects the first fabric layer 130, 230 has an airpermeability of from about 50 CFM to about 60 CFM when tested inaccordance with ASTM D737. The high air permeability of the first fabriclayer 130, 230 provides a breathable layer to the composite fabric 100,200 that allows moisture to pass therethrough.

The fabric shell 150, 250 can have any suitable fabric construction. Insome aspects the fabric shell 150, 250 is a woven fabric, a knit fabric,a nonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In particular aspects the fabricshell 150, 250 includes taffeta, although any other suitable fabricmaterial may be used, including but not limited to cotton, wool,polyester, nylon and combinations thereof.

It may be desirable in some aspects for the fabric shell 150, 250 to besubstantially impermeable to air or to have a very low permeability. Inparticular aspects the fabric shell 150, 250 has an air permeability offrom 0 CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. Infurther aspects the fabric shell 150, 250 has an air permeability offrom 0 CFM to about 2 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. Theuse of an impermeable or substantially impermeable fabric for the fabricshell 150, 250 provides warmth to the fabric and encapsulates theinsulating material in the cavity 160, 260 to prevent or minimizemigration or movement of the insulating material within the compositefabric 100, 200.

As noted, each of the plurality of insulating structures 140, 240include a fabric shell 150, 250 defining a cavity 160, 260 and aninsulating material located within the cavity 160, 260. Any suitableinsulating material can be used, including a natural insulationmaterial, a synthetic insulation material, or a combination thereof. Inparticular aspects the insulating material includes at least one naturalinsulating material, including down (e.g., goose or duck plumage). Othernatural insulating materials that could be used in the composite fabric100, 200 include, but are not limited to, cotton and wool. In furtheraspects the insulating material includes at least one syntheticinsulating material, including polyester. Other synthetic insulatingmaterials that could be used in the composite fabric 100, 200 include,but are not limited to, PrimaLoft®, Thinsulate™, Thermolite®,Quallofil®, ThermoBall™, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene,acrylic and combinations thereof. The insulating material may beinserted into the cavity by any conventional process, including but notlimited to air blowing, insertion, injection, and rapier insertion. Inaddition, the insulating material may be in any form. In some aspectsthe insulating material is a loose fiber; in other aspects theinsulating material is shaped (e.g., in a tubular form).

Composite Fabrics Including Insulating Structures and Spacers

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, aspects of the disclosure furtherrelate to a composite fabric 300 including a plurality of insulatingstructures 310 separated by a plurality of spacers 320. Each of theplurality of spacers 320 includes a fabric material, and each of theplurality of insulating structures 310 includes a fabric shell 330defining a cavity 340 and an insulating material (not shown) locatedwithin the cavity 340.

In some aspects the composite fabric 300 is reversible such that a userof the fabric (e.g., a wearer of a garment including the compositefabric 300) could use the composite fabric 300 with either side facingtowards the user or away from the user.

The plurality of spacers 320 may have any suitable fabric construction.In some aspects the plurality of spacers 320 are a woven fabric. Inother aspects the plurality of spacers 320 are a knit fabric, a nonwovenfabric or a laminate fabric. In particular aspects the plurality ofspacers 320 include taffeta, although any other suitable fabric materialmay be used, including but not limited to cotton, wool, polyester, nylonand combinations thereof. The plurality of spacers 320 can have anydesirable dimensions. In some aspects—as illustrated—the plurality ofspacers 320 are strips of fabric.

The plurality of spacers 320 and the fabric shell 330 can have anysuitable dimensions. In a certain aspect the plurality of spacers 320have a width of about 1 inch (1″), and the fabric shell 330 has a widthof from about 5″ to about 6″. In addition, the plurality of spacers 320and/or the fabric shell 330 could have varying dimensions within thesame composite fabric 300. The plurality of spacers 320 may be sized sothat when the fabric is used (e.g., worn) the plurality of insulatingstructures 310 lie against and/or substantially overlap or cover theplurality of spacers 320 (as shown by arrows 350), providing thecomposite fabric 300 with a layer of insulation.

In certain aspects the plurality of spacers 320 are highly airpermeable. In some aspects the plurality of spacers 320 have an airpermeability of from about 40 CFM to about 80 CFM when tested inaccordance with ASTM D737. In particular aspects the plurality ofspacers 320 have an air permeability of from about 50 CFM to about 60CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. The high air permeabilityof the plurality of spacers 320 provides a breathable component to thecomposite fabric 300 that allows moisture to pass therethrough.

The fabric shell 330 can have any suitable fabric construction. In someaspects the fabric shell 330 is a woven fabric, a knit fabric, anonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric. In particular aspects the fabricshell 330 includes taffeta, although any other suitable fabric materialmay be used, including but not limited to cotton, wool, polyester, nylonand combinations thereof.

It may be desirable in some aspects for the fabric shell 330 to besubstantially impermeable to air or to have a very low permeability. Inparticular aspects the fabric shell 330 has an air permeability of from0 CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. Infurther aspects the fabric shell 330 has an air permeability of from 0CFM to about 2 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737. The use ofan impermeable or substantially impermeable fabric for the fabric shell330 provides warmth to the fabric and encapsulates the insulatingmaterial in the cavity 340 to prevent or minimize migration or movementof the insulating material within the composite fabric 300.

As noted, each of the plurality of insulating structures 310 include afabric shell 330 defining a cavity 340 and an insulating materiallocated within the cavity 340. Any suitable insulating material can beused, including a natural insulation material, a synthetic insulationmaterial, or a combination thereof. In particular aspects the insulatingmaterial includes at least one natural insulating material, includingdown (e.g., goose or duck plumage). Other natural insulating materialsthat could be used in the composite fabric 300 include, but are notlimited to, cotton and wool. In further aspects the insulating materialincludes at least one synthetic insulating material, includingpolyester. Other synthetic insulating materials that could be used inthe composite fabric 300 include, but are not limited to, PrimaLoft®,Thinsulate™, Thermolite®, Quallofil®, ThermoBall™, polyethyleneterephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic and combinations thereof. Theinsulating material may be inserted into the cavity by any conventionalprocess, including but not limited to air blowing, insertion, injectionand rapier insertion. In addition, the insulating material may be in anyform. In some aspects the insulating material is a loose fiber; in otheraspects the insulating material is shaped (e.g., in a tubular form).

The composite fabrics 100, 200, 300 and the components thereof may beformed according to conventional processes (e.g., conventional sewing,weaving and knitting processes).

The composite fabrics 100, 200, 300 described herein may be incorporatedinto a fabric and used to manufacture articles. Exemplary articlesinclude articles of apparel, such as jackets, pants, hats, gloves,jumpsuits, and other outerwear. Other exemplary articles include, butare not limited to, blankets, sporting equipment (e.g., the lining of ahelmet) and outdoor equipment.

Various combinations off elements of this disclosure are encompassed bythis disclosure, e.g., combinations of elements from dependent claimsthat depend upon the same independent claim.

Aspects of the Disclosure

In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to and includes atleast the following aspects.

Aspect 1. A composite fabric comprising:

a first fabric layer; and

a plurality of insulating structures adjacent to the first fabric layer,each of the plurality of insulating structures comprising a fabric shelldefining a cavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

Aspect 2. The composite fabric according to Aspect 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of insulating structures are attached to the first fabriclayer.

Aspect 3. The composite fabric according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein eachof the plurality of insulating structures are stitched to the firstfabric layer.

Aspect 4. The composite fabric according to Aspect 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of insulating structures are retained against the firstfabric layer by a plurality of fabric strips.

Aspect 5. The composite fabric according to Aspect 4, wherein theplurality of fabric strips retain the plurality of insulating structuresagainst the first fabric layer in a woven construction.

Aspect 6. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 5,wherein the first fabric layer comprises a woven fabric or a knitfabric.

Aspect 7. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 6,wherein the first fabric layer has an air permeability of from about 40cubic feet per minute (CFM) to about 80 CFM when tested in accordancewith ASTM D737.

Aspect 8. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 6,wherein the first fabric layer has an air permeability of from about 50CFM to about 60 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 9. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 8,wherein the fabric shell comprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, anonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric.

Aspect 10. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 9,wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 11. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 10,wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about2 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 12. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 1 to 11,wherein the insulating material comprises a natural insulating material,a synthetic insulating material, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 13. The composite fabric according to Aspect 12, wherein thenatural insulating material comprises down, cotton, wool or acombination thereof.

Aspect 14. The composite fabric according to Aspect 12, wherein thesynthetic insulating material comprises polyester, polyethyleneterephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic, PrimaLoft®, Thinsulate™,Thermolite®, Quallofil®, ThermoBall™ and combinations thereof.

Aspect 15. A composite fabric comprising a plurality of insulatingstructures separated by a plurality of spacers, wherein each of theplurality of spacers comprises a fabric material and each of theplurality of insulating structures comprises a fabric shell defining acavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.

Aspect 16. The composite fabric according to Aspect 15, wherein thefabric material comprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwovenfabric or a laminate fabric.

Aspect 17. The composite fabric according to Aspect 15 or 16, whereinthe fabric material has an air permeability of from about 40 CFM toabout 80 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 18. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 15 to 17,wherein the fabric material has an air permeability of from about 50 CFMto about 60 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 19. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 15 to 18,wherein the fabric shell comprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, anonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric.

Aspect 20. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 15 to 19,wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 21. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 15 to 20,wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0 CFM to about2 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.

Aspect 22. The composite fabric according to any of Aspects 15 to 21,wherein the insulating material comprises a natural insulating material,a synthetic insulating material, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 23. The composite fabric according to Aspect 22, wherein thenatural insulating material comprises down, cotton, wool or acombination thereof.

Aspect 24. The composite fabric according to Aspect 23, wherein thesynthetic insulating material comprises polyester, polyethyleneterephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic, PrimaLoft®, Thinsulate™,Thermolite®, Quallofil®, ThermoBall™ and combinations thereof.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangiblystored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangiblecomputer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but arenot limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable opticaldisks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes,memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite fabric comprising: a plurality ofinsulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers, wherein eachof the plurality of spacers comprises a fabric material and each of theplurality of insulating structures comprises a fabric shell defining acavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.
 2. Thecomposite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric materialcomprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a laminatefabric.
 3. The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabricmaterial has an air permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 80 CFMwhen tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
 4. The composite fabricaccording to claim 1, wherein the fabric material has an airpermeability of from about 50 CFM to about 60 CFM when tested inaccordance with ASTM D737.
 5. The composite fabric according to claim 1,wherein the fabric shell comprises a woven fabric, a knit fabric, anonwoven fabric or a laminate fabric.
 6. The composite fabric accordingto claim 1, wherein the fabric shell has an air permeability of from 0CFM to about 5 CFM when tested in accordance with ASTM D737.
 7. Thecomposite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fabric shell has anair permeability of from 0 CFM to about 2 CFM when tested in accordancewith ASTM D737.
 8. The composite fabric according to claim 1, whereinthe insulating material comprises a natural insulating material, asynthetic insulating material, or a combination thereof.
 9. Thecomposite fabric according to claim 8, wherein the natural insulatingmaterial comprises down, cotton, wool or a combination thereof.
 10. Thecomposite fabric according to claim 8, wherein the synthetic insulatingmaterial comprises polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene,acrylic and combinations thereof.
 11. The composite fabric according toclaim 1, wherein the plurality of spacers are strips of fabric.
 12. Thecomposite fabric according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality ofinsulating structures are retained against the first fabric layer by thefabric strips
 13. The composite fabric according to claim 12, whereinthe plurality of fabric strips retain the plurality of insulatingstructures against the first fabric layer in a woven construction. 14.The composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein each of the pluralityof spacers is sized so that when the composite fabric is worn theplurality of insulating structures lie against and substantially overlapthe plurality of spacers.
 15. The composite fabric according to claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of spacers is sized so that when thecomposite fabric is worn the plurality of insulating structures lieagainst and substantially cover the plurality of spacers.
 16. A garmentformed from a composite fabric further comprising: a plurality ofinsulating structures separated by a plurality of spacers, wherein eachof the plurality of spacers comprises a fabric material and each of theplurality of insulating structures comprises a fabric shell defining acavity and an insulating material located within the cavity.
 17. Thegarment according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of spacers arestrips of fabric.
 18. The garment according to claim 17, wherein each ofthe plurality of insulating structures are retained against the firstfabric layer by the fabric strips
 19. The garment according to claim 18,wherein the plurality of fabric strips retain the plurality ofinsulating structures against the first fabric layer in a wovenconstruction.
 20. The garment according to claim 16, wherein each of theplurality of spacers is sized so that when the composite fabric is wornthe plurality of insulating structures lie against and substantiallyoverlap or cover the plurality of spacers.